Riyaz Ul Khaliq / MohammadAbu Bakr
SRINAGAR
Slain Handwara civilians, Mohammad Iqbal, Nayeem Qadir and elderly Raja Begum have been laid to rest.
Three civilians were shot dead by forces in North Kashmir’s Handwara Tuesday afternoon following an alleged molestation attempt by an army man in main Handwara town.
Reports reaching here said that amid strong pro-freedom slogans, Nayeem Qadir- a talented cricketer- was laid to rest in Banday Mohalla, Handwara.
Dead body of Raja Begum was taken to her home early today and laid to rest in her native Langate village.
Thousands of people participated in funeral procession of Mohammad Iqbal Pir, who worked as a salesman in the area.
Amid strong pro-freedom and anti-India sloganeering, Iqbal Ahmad Pir, (22) of Shalpora Bramrie village of Drugmulla was laid to rest in his native graveyards.
Meanwhile heavy stone-pelting is also being reported from main Chowk Handwara.
Additional district commissioner Handwara, Bashir Ahmad, said on Wednesday that the district administration has taken some youth in preventive custody.
Clashes had erupted in the area following the alleged molestation bid by the army personnel and forces resorted to firing. In the ensuing battles, scores of youth were detained and lodged into police station.
Speaking to Kashmir Life, ADC Handwara, Muzaffar Ahmad, said, “we have taken some youth into preventive detention (in view of the situation) and they will be released by Wednesday evening.”
He further said that three FIRs have been registered in to the incident. “We have registered 302 section of RPC as well,” he added.
The ADC said that the magisterial enquiry into the incident will be completed in two weeks. “We are supposed to record statements on working days.”
The locals have demanded release of all the arrested youth. “The FIRs registered against the youth should be withdrawn and they should be released forthwith,” the locals demanded.
The locals, reports said, “All three bunkers in Handwara chowk be removed forthwith; all the accused should be booked and the main Handwara chowk should be renamed as Shaheed Nayeem Chowk.”
On its part, the local administration said they have talked to elderly citizens of the area. “We have talked to locals,” the ADC said.
